Throne Speech and Health Care
422 words / 1.5 min read
The Manitoba government’s Speech from the Throne laid out its agenda for the year ahead, and it was “dominated by health care promises,” according to the Free Press headline.
- Doctors Manitoba President Dr. Nichelle Desilets was at the legislature to hear the speech and react on behalf of physicians.
Promising Promises: The government’s agenda does include some potentially positive advancements for physicians and their patients:
- Eliminating sick notes to reduce administrative burden for physicians (link to article).
- Digital versions of Manitoba Health cards to be available on smartphones.
- More institutional safety officers to improve hospital safety.
- MRI technologist training expansion could help reduce wait times.
- More paramedic training seats, including advanced care paramedics for rural areas.
- Additional lactation consultants.
- Birthing services returning to Norway House.
Yes, but: Several other commitments raised concerns because they lacked detail and were announced without physician consultation:
- Expanded retail pharmacist prescribing for contraception and “common ailments,” with messaging that patients could “skip the doctor’s office.” Physicians flagged this as dismissive and, more importantly, risky for fragmentation and missed diagnoses.
- A new patient portal for lab results and immunizations — long overdue, but with few details on timelines, scope, or integration.
- A patient safety charter, plus plans to end mandatory nurse overtime and legislate staffing ratios — again, without clarity on implementation.
💬 Physician engagement critical: In her response, Dr. Desilets stressed how important it is for the health system to consult physicians as changes are planned and implemented.
- “As a doctor who works in a small town, I’m very sensitive to new rules that can actually compromise keeping our hospital open and keeping those services available,” Dr. Desilets explained to reporters. “I think a measured, balanced approach with gradual implementation and proper consultation is the way to go.”
- On the proposed for-profit retail pharmacist changes, the government did say it would bring doctors and pharmacists together “to ensure the best quality of care for patients.” Doctors Manitoba will ensure physicians are consulted and press for changes based on your feedback.
👀 What about team-based care: The government has still not unveiled how it will move forward with an election promise it made based on our recommendation to add 250 team-based providers to both specialist and family physician practices. We continue to press for action on this at every step.
Bottom line: While some encouraging ideas are on the table, details and genuine physician engagement will determine whether these commitments strengthen care or strain it.
Tell us what you think: practiceadvice@doctorsmanitoba.ca